die  Überführung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˌyːbɐˈfyːʁʊŋ/

🧐 What does "die Überführung" mean?

The word die Überführung has several distinct meanings:

• Transfer/Transport: The act of moving a thing or person from one place to another. This is often used in the context of transferring a deceased person to the place of burial (Leichenüberführung) or transferring a vehicle (e.g., a new car) to the buyer (Fahrzeugüberführung).
• Proof/Conviction (legal): The process by which a person's guilt is proven beyond doubt, leading to a conviction. One speaks of the Überführung des Täters (conviction of the perpetrator).
• Overpass/Bridge Structure: A bridge or similar structure that leads over a road, railway line, or other obstacle. Synonymous with Brücke (bridge) or Viadukt (viaduct) in this context.

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the correct meaning.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar Corner: Die Überführung

The noun "Überführung" is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is always die.

Example Sentences

1. (Transport) Die Überführung des Leichnams erfolgte am nächsten Morgen.
   (The transfer of the body took place the next morning.)
2. (Transport) Die Kosten für die Überführung des Neuwagens sind im Preis enthalten.
   (The costs for the transfer of the new car are included in the price.)
3. (Legal) Die Überführung des Angeklagten gelang durch eindeutige DNA-Spuren.
   (The conviction of the accused was achieved through clear DNA evidence.)
4. (Structure) Wir fuhren unter der Autobahnüberführung hindurch.
   (We drove under the motorway overpass.)
5. (Structure) Die alte Eisenbahnüberführung muss saniert werden.
   (The old railway bridge needs to be renovated.)

💡 How to use "die Überführung"?

• In somber contexts: When referring to the Überführung of a person, it usually means the transport of a deceased person (Leichenüberführung).
• In car sales: Überführungskosten (transfer costs) refer to transporting the purchased car from the factory/dealer to the customer.
• In legal contexts: It refers to the act of proving someone's guilt ("Der Täter wurde seiner Taten überführt." - The perpetrator was convicted of his crimes.). The noun die Überführung describes this process or its result.
• In traffic/construction: An Überführung is a structure that leads over something (road, tracks, etc.). An Unterführung (underpass), conversely, leads under something.

Confusion with other words is rare as the contexts are usually clear. However, pay attention to whether the transport, the act of proving guilt, or the structure is meant.

🧠 Mnemonics for Überführung

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Brücke' (the bridge), which is a type of Überführung. Both are feminine. Or: 'Die police ensure die Überführung (conviction) of the criminal.'

Meaning Mnemonic: The word contains 'führen' (to lead). You 'lead' something or someone 'over' something (über) - like a transport or a bridge. Or you 'lead' the proof to 'convict' someone (legal meaning).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Different Words

• Die Führung: Refers to leadership (company leadership - Unternehmensführung), a tour (city tour - Stadtführung), or driving a vehicle. It's not directly related to transport, conviction, or bridges in the sense of Überführung.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Geben Sie zu, die alte Dame überfahren zu haben?"
Angeklagter: "Nein, Herr Richter, das war eine klare Überführung! Sie stand auf der Brücke und ich bin drunter durch gefahren!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Do you admit to running over the old lady?"
Defendant: "No, Your Honor, that was clearly an overpass! She was standing on the bridge, and I drove underneath!"
(Plays on the double meaning of Überführung: running over vs. overpass/bridge)

📜 Poem about Überführung

Die Überführung, vielgestaltig Wort,
Bringt Totes, Autos schnell an einen Ort.
Sie führt Beweise, klar und ohne Frag, Bringt Schuld ans Licht, an hellem, klarem Tag.
Als Brücke ragt sie über Tal und Fluss,
Ein Bauwerk stolz, dem Verkehr ein Muss.
Drei Sinngehalte, merk sie dir geschwind,
Damit Verwirrung niemals bei dir find'.

Translation:
The Überführung, a word of many forms,
Brings dead, brings cars quickly through the storms.
It leads the evidence, clear without a plea,
Brings guilt to light, for all the world to see.
As a bridge, it spans valley, river wide,
A proud structure, where traffic must ride.
Three meanings here, remember them with speed,
So that confusion never plants its seed.

❓ Riddle

Ich kann ein Weg über die Straße sein,
Ich bring' den Dieb hinter Gitter fein.
Auch Tote reisen manchmal mit mir fort.
Was bin ich wohl, an diesem oder jenem Ort?

Translation:
I can be a way across the street,
I put the thief behind bars, oh so neat.
Even the dead sometimes travel with me away.
What am I then, tell me without delay?

Solution: die Überführung

➕ Additional Information

Word Composition: The word "Überführung" is composed of the prefix "über" and the noun "Führung" (derived from the verb "führen" - to lead, guide, carry).

• über: Indicates movement across or over something, or a transitional state.
• Führung: Refers to leading, guiding, bringing, or moving.

Thus, the combination expresses that something is led over something (bridge), brought from one place to another (transport), or someone is led to an understanding/judgment (proof/conviction).